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Women living with extended family may have been at a higher risk of heart disease - but they were no more likely to die of the condition than those living only with their husband.

It is thought close relatives, especially parents, deter women from heavy drinking, smoking and other factors that can increase susceptibility to heart disease, according to public health specialist Professor Hiroyasu Iso.

But the 'stress from multiple family roles', was likely to be a reason for women's increased susceptibility, he said.

Many studies have found that married couples are more healthy than those who live alone.

And other research has shown that families headed by a single mother can suffer worse health, sometimes linked to poverty, explained Professor Iso, of Osaka University, Japan.

But little research has been done on alternative family structures.

'Living in a multi-generational family was associated with a higher risk of heart disease incidence in women, probably owing to role stress.

'Family structure and living arrangements are viewed as important determinants of health.'